Next Century Cities Hosts ‘Financing for Next-Generation Broadband’

Today, Next Century Cities hosted Financing for Next-Generation Broadband, in Lexington, Kentucky. The half-day event brought together mayors, elected officials, business leaders, and community members to share best practices and discuss approaches to broadband financing. The event was held in conjunction with Broadband Communities Magazine’s larger economic development conference “Fiber for the New Economy.”

“Broadband financing is a fundamental component of successful broadband infrastructure projects, and our members want more information about available financing options. We are proud to provide a forum to hold these important and timely discussions,” remarked Next Century Cities Executive Director Deb Socia.

Attendees learned firsthand from regional leaders about the exciting movement towards increased broadband connectivity in Kentucky. Lexington Mayor Jim Gray opened the event with comments on Lexington’s plan to become the next Gigabit City, and Secretary Lori Flanery led the following panel discussion on how Kentucky is using a public-private partnership to achieve KentuckyWired, their statewide middle mile broadband infrastructure project.

Additional panels featured experts from across the country and covered a broad range of financing issues, including financing the last mile, federal support, public/private partnerships and more. The distinguished list of panelists and moderators included such leaders as Mayor Deborah Feinen of Champaign, IL, Dr. Robert Wack, City Council President of Westminster MD, Lev Gonick, CEO of One Community, Nicholas Hann, Senior Managing Director of Macquarie Capital/Macquarie Group Ltd, Joanne Hovis, President of CTC Technology & Energy, and Tom Coverick, Managing Director, Public Finance, representing our sponsor – Keybanc Capital Markets.

Next Century Cities has made audio recordings of all Financing for Next-Generation Broadband panels and will be sharing them with member communities who were unable to attend.